Admission Requirements: College of Education



Undergraduate Admission Requirements


Admission to Lewis University alone does not guarantee admission to the Teacher Education Program. Students must apply for program admission after completing an introductory level clinical education course. All education majors must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 to enroll in an introductory methods course and a 2.75 cumulative GPA to continue in the program.

Secondary education students must hold a 2.75 GPA within their academic major. A minimum "C" grade is required in all education courses toward certification. Procedures and requirements for admission to and retention in the Teacher Education Program are described in the Guide for Initial Teacher Certification Program Candidates. This publication is available in the College of Education office.

Basic Skills Test Resources


The College of Education at Lewis University offers a variety of study guides, strategies and resources to help you prepare for the Illinois Basic Skills Test.  See the circular link on the right side of the College of Education Home page to access this information.

Specific programs also have specific requirements. Contact your admission advisor for specific details.

Graduate Admission Requirements


Note: the following prerequisites are shared by the following programs.
  • Educational Leadership, M.A., M. Ed.
  • English as a Second Language (ESL) Endorsement with M. Ed. Option
  • Reading and Literacy, M.A.
  • Curriculum and Instruction, Reading Teacher Endorsement, M. Ed.
  • Curriculum and Teacher Leadership, M. Ed.
  • Secondary Education, M.A.

PROGRAM PREREQUISITES

  • Initial or standard Type 03, 04, 09, 10 or 73 Illinois certificate.
  • Two years successful teaching or school service personnel experience.
  • Fulfillment of House Bill 150 (Survey of Exceptional Children and Adolescents or Exceptional Learners in Inclusive Communities).
  • Successful completion of Illinois Certification Basic Skills Test.
  • Successful completion of Lewis' COE Graduate Writing Examination
  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (To qualify for full admission, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for the final 60 hours.)

Specific Graduate Program Prerequisites


Elementary Education, M.A. Program Prerequisites:

  • Meet all general education requirements.
  • Complete eighteen hours in an endorsement area.
  • Obtain a Substitute Certificate.
  • Hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (To qualify for full admission, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for the final 60 hours.)

Special Education, M.A. Program Prerequisites:

  • Successful completion of Illinois Basic Skills Test.
  • A baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (To qualify for full admission, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for the final 60 hours.)

Curriculum and Instruction, Instructional Technology Program Prerequisites:

  • You should hold a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (To qualify for full admission, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.75 for the final 60 hours.)
  • Successfully complete the Illinois Certification Basic Skills Test.
  • Submit a completed graduate application form with non-refundable application fee, two letters of recommendation, and official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
  • Meet with the appropriate Department Chair or Program Director for a personal interview to discuss your educational goals.
  • If you're an international student whose first language is not English, certify your proficiency in reading and writing English. Your score on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) should be in the 65th percentile for your nationality group, or higher.
  • Complete a satisfactory Graduate Writing Requirement during your first semester of graduate study.

Certificate of Advanced Study in Education Program Prerequisites:

  • Valid initial or standard Type 03, 04, 09, 10 or 73 Illinois certificate.
  • Two years successful teaching or school service personnel experience.
  • Survey of the Exceptional Child Requirement (105IL CS 5/21-2a).
  • A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education. (To qualify for full admission, you should have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0.)

Education Leadership Doctoral Program Prerequisites:

  • Hold at minimum a master's degree in an educationally-related field from an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Complete a graduate application form.
  • Complete a written essay on a topic identified by the College of Education.
  • Submit Graduate Record Examination scores (valid within last 5 years).
  • Submit two letters of recommendation from professors, employers, or advisors.
  • Submit complete official transcripts from all institutions previously attended.
  • Submit a previously completed scholarly paper.
  • Complete a personal interview.

Learn about specific graduate admission procedures for the different categories of graduate student enrollment, including:

  • Full Admission Status
  • Provisional Admission Status
  • Student-at-Large Status